Lead Teacher (Preschool)

Are you a caring and creative educator who finds joy in helping young children learn, grow, and explore the world around them? Join our team at Horizon Education Centers and make a lasting difference during the most important years of development.

For over 46 years, Horizon has been at the forefront of providing high-quality care and education, significantly shaping the lives of children. Horizon offers programs for children 6 weeks to 14 years of age. Our Mission: to provide high-quality early childhood education, care, and youth development programs. Horizon Education Centers proudly serves a range of communities in Cleveland, Elyria, Lorain, North Olmsted, Berea, Parma, and Lakewood. These primary communities are at the heart of our commitment to early childhood education. 

Preschool Lead Teacher  

Locations Currently Hiring Leads: 

Lakewood Childcare Center in Lakewood, Ohio - Hours: TBD

Market Square Childcare Center in Cleveland, Ohio - Hours: 7am-4pm M-F

North Olmsted Childcare Center in North Olmsted, Ohio - Hours: M-F 8:30-5pm

Wage Information: Full-time hourly position commensurate with experience, training and education. Pay Rate Range: $15.00 - $17.50 per hour.

Reports to: Center Director 

Lead Job Description: 

• Prepares and implements daily lesson plans and ensures high-quality interaction with preschool children. Get Children Ready for Kindergarten! 

• You will teach in 1 classroom (Head Start/ ECE half-day teachers have 2 groups- am/pm) 

• Maintains a clean, safe, and emotionally supportive environment that is conducive to learning and is centered on the needs and abilities of the children 

• Responsible for the care and supervision of children and classroom management at all times in accordance with licensing standards and best practices   

• Provides Referrals to families as needs are identified in children; works as part of a team to plan for identified services  

• Complete and document services provided, such as progress reports, attendance screenings, and assessments (ASQSE2, ASQ3R) & assessments (ELA, GOLD) as required 

• Provide functional classroom support and assist with meal service as required   

• Work independently with a group of children and as a leader for the team with other teachers, leads, center staff and the director 

• Build positive relationships with children, families and other staff members through prompt and accurate response and service, cheerful and professional attitude, and problem-solving spirit 

• Head Start Position: Follow Head Start requirements and responsibilities such as bi-annual home visits 

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality with personnel and family information 

• All other duties as needed/assigned

Qualifications:

• A current CDA is required, an associate degree or higher in ECE or related field is preferred   

• Career Pathway Level in OCCRRA is at minimum Level 3. Note: At times, other levels may be permitted depending on staffing qualifications in the classroom. 

• Experience in a preschool classroom setting is required 

• Experience with Creative Curriculum preferred; strong familiarity with lesson planning incorporating all domains of the Ohio Early Learning Content Standards 

• Willingness to update job knowledge with required training, DCY licensing rules and SUTQ professional development opportunities, and industry trends 

• Must be able to adapt quickly to changing environments and assignments as required 

• We seek someone who is prompt and reliable and who possesses a genuine love of children

• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 40 lbs. as required 

• Must be able to pass background checks and physical/ medical screening as required 

Employee Benefits:

• Medical coverage for employees who work 30 hours a week, year-round

• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for year-round, full-time or part-time 20 hours per week

• Virtual Health Care and Mental Health Care for year-round or seasonal employees, full-time or part-time 20 hours a week

• Pre-paid employment screenings/onboarding, including, but not limited to, fingerprints, and physical/immunization for all employees

• Paid Time Off (after 90-day probationary period) and Holiday Pay (after your 1st full pay period for New Hires)

• Paid professional development for full or part-time positions

• Learn and Earn Tuition Programs for year-round full-time or part-time 20 hours per week positions

• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with match options after a year of employment for year-round, full-time or part-time 20 hour positions

• Discounted childcare for all full-time, part-time, or seasonal positions (must apply or prove not eligible for publicly funded childcare)

Salary : $15 - $18